Exploration & Entrepreneurship: The Story Behind This 80-Series Cruiser

A 1991 Land Cruiser That Changed Everything

Aidan Stott had always been drawn to the unknown. Growing up in South Africa, the wild landscapes and rugged terrain were his playground. His father’s old Land Rover was more than just a vehicle—it was a gateway to adventure. Their off-road trips into remote campsites shaped Aidan’s love for overlanding, teaching him both self-reliance and the art of bush mechanics. But as much as he loved his home country, he yearned for something more.

A new life in the United States was the dream, and with determination, he made it happen. After securing a spot in a U.S. university, he packed his bags and left for a future filled with opportunity. His first vehicle in the States was a two-door Jeep Wrangler, a capable rig that he built up over time. But as his travels stretched farther and his needs evolved, he realized he wanted something bigger—something legendary.

Finding the Right Rig

Inspired by Shaun Whale’s Sooty from 4WD 24/7, Aidan set his sights on an 80-Series Land Cruiser. He scoured the internet for weeks, determined to find the perfect one. His search eventually led him to a 1991 Land Cruiser 4.2 Turbo Diesel, a rig that had traveled as much as he had. Originally from Japan, the truck made its way to Canada before finally landing in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was right-hand drive, a rare sight in the States, but that only made it feel more like home.

The Land Cruiser was relatively stock, but Aidan saw potential. With his vision and mechanical know-how, he knew he could transform it into the ultimate overlanding machine.

A Daily Driver Built for the Long Haul

Aidan wasted no time upgrading his new adventure rig. He mounted a Front Runner Outfitters roof rack and outfitted it with a KC Hilites Pro6 light bar for those inevitable late-night drives. A 4×4 Labs front bumper provided extra protection, while a Warn Zeon 10S winch ensured he could recover himself from any tricky situation.

His adventures soon became more ambitious. A solo 10,000-mile journey across the Northwest made him realize that fuel range was a major concern. To combat this, he installed a Long Range America 24-gallon auxiliary fuel tank—a game-changer for off-grid travel.

That modification turned into something bigger than expected. Aidan’s initial partnership with Long Range America evolved into a business opportunity. He took a leap, invested in the company, and became a co-owner.

“The success of this business determines my future in the USA,” Aidan explains. “I have a lot riding on this to be successful in order for me to continue living my dream.”

Off-Road Upgrades for the Unknown

Building a truck that could handle the unpredictable meant focusing on protection and capability. Aidan installed custom rock sliders and a Radius Fabrications 4-inch snorkel and airbox for deep water crossings. To boost power and airflow, he added a Manta Performance 3-inch stainless steel exhaust with a straight pipe. Auber Industries EGT and boost gauges gave him real-time data to monitor engine performance.

Suspension was another major focus. An Old Man Emu lift with Nitro Shocks helped clear obstacles while improving ride comfort. To fine-tune gearing, he installed Nitro Reduction gears and an Aisin part-time 4WD conversion in the transfer case.

When it came to styling, Aidan wanted the truck to stand out. A vinyl livery and PPF helped protect the rig while giving it a bold new look. It now rolls on 17-inch Alpha Equipt Halo wheels, wrapped in 35-inch Toyo Open Country R/T Trail tires. A Kaymar Dual Swing bumper in the rear holds a full-size spare.

A Home on Wheels

Aidan’s love for the outdoors meant his Land Cruiser had to be as comfortable as it was capable. He opted for an Alu-Cab Gen 3R rooftop tent, which sets up in seconds, providing a cozy place to rest after long days on the trail. Inside, a 67EX Snomaster fridge keeps food and drinks chilled, while a Travel Buddy 12V oven lets him bake and cook meals on the go—often filling the cabin with the scent of freshly baked goods.

Storage was key for long-haul trips. He installed a Front Runner drawer system, rear cargo shelf, and Huracan Fab tailgate storage to maximize space. To keep all his accessories powered, he built a custom power wall with a Redarc RedVision Manager30, a 1500W pure sine wave inverter, and a full 12V system with 200AH of lithium batteries.

Testing Limits and Learning the Hard Way

Like any seasoned traveler, Aidan has had his fair share of mishaps. Earlier this year, after attending Overland Expo West in Arizona, disaster struck—his turbo blew out. Stranded, he called on his good friend Josh, who towed him to safety. Luckily, Aidan had a GTurbo waiting at home in Idaho, which he overnighted to Arizona.

With the help of friends—and even his father, who was visiting from South Africa—they tore down the engine and swapped in the new turbo. Within a few days, the Land Cruiser was back on the road, ready to tackle the 700-mile journey home.

Dreaming of the Next Expedition

With thousands of miles under its belt, the Land Cruiser has become more than just a truck—it’s a symbol of Aidan’s journey. His dream of adventure is far from over. His next destinations? South America, Canada, and Alaska.

“I have always dreamed of traveling through truly untouched areas with extreme terrain,” he shares. “Kingsley Holgate was a true idol of mine growing up, and I’ve always wanted to be part of an expedition of that scale.”

For now, Aidan continues to chase his dreams, living life on the road, pushing his limits, and proving that with the right mindset—and the right rig—anything is possible

You can follow Aidan Stott’s adventures on Instagram @astott_overland.

1991 Toyota Land Cruiser

Platform:

1991 Toyota Land Cruiser

Engine:

1-HD-T, 4.2 inline turbo diesel; GTurbo Green Wheel turbo at 20psi; Radius Fabrications 4-inch snorkel and air box; Manta Performance 3-inch stainless exhaust; Provent 200 catch can; Auber industries EGT and boost gauge

Wheels & Tires:

17-inch Alpha Equipt Halo wheels; Toyo Tires Open Country R/T 35×12.5R17

Suspension:

Old Man Emu Nitro Shocks (front and rear); 3-inch lift with 250 lb. springs (front); 3-inch lift with 880 lb. J-Coils (rear)

Interior Accessories:

Melvill and Moon canvas and leather seat covers; Auber Industries EGT and Boost Gauge; handheld GMRS and HAM radios; Redarc RedVision, Manger 30, 1500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter, Towpro Elite; 200AH lithium battery; Travel Buddy 12V oven; Kaon rear cargo shelf; custom seat delete and power wall; Snomaster 67EX fridge; Alu-cab Tilt Slide, Gen 3R RTT; Front Runner Outfitters Roofrack; Huracan Fab tailgate storage

Exterior Accessories:

Depot headlights; KC Hilites Pro 6, Flex Era 4, Long Range America 24-gallon auxiliary fuel tank; Front Runner Outfitters drawer system; 4×4 Labs front bumper; Kaymar dual swing rear bumper; custom sliders; Bushwrapz full vehicle wrap and PPF; Nitro Reduction gears; Aisin Part-Time 4WD in transfer case

Editor’s Note: A version of this story previously appeared in the November/December 2022 issue of TREAD Magazine.